Travels With Carole

Come along with me and share the excitement as I explore the world researching freelance articles. These blog posts offer short chunks of travel that you can digest quickly as well as plenty of photos so you get the picture. You'll have some fun, make discoveries, and pick up great ideas and information for your own vacations. Think of me as your canary in the coal mine. For even more travel inspiration, visit my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at http://www.berkeleyandbeyond.com.

July 11, 2019

Columbus, Ohio: Somali Culture; things to do

Somali Culture in Columbus, Ohio

More than 60,000 Somali people now call Columbus home, which makes their community the second-largest concentration of Somali immigrants in the United States. (The largest population is 120,000 in nearby Minneapolis, and another large group lives in San Diego.) Most of these African people arrived after 1995. Columbus has approximately 20 Somali restaurants. Most of the Somalis continue to dress in traditional style.

Somali men in Columbus, Ohio

Abubakar Assidiq Islamic Center

591 Industrial Mile Rd., (614)-272-9994. Built in 2014, this is one of the largest mosques in the region.

women's side of mosque at Abubakar Assidiq Islamic Center
in Columbus, Ohio

prayer schedule in mosque at Abubakar Assidiq Islamic Center
in Columbus, Ohio

Global Mall

2210 Morse Rd., Northland. Set up like a true African market, the stalls at this small mall are filled with of traditional Somali clothing and everyday necessities. A barbershop and popular Somali café are also located here.

interior of Somali Global Mall in Columbus, Ohio

interior of shop in Somali Global Mall in Columbus, Ohio

bracelets for sale in shop at Somali Global Mall in Columbus, Ohio

Hamdi Grill

1784 Huy Rd., Linden, (614) 447-0199. Daily 10am-11pm. The cuisine of West Africa is prepared here using seasonings that include cumin, cardoman, garlic, and fried peppers, plus some secret spices and a mix of roots. Hamdi spiced tea is a very sweet mix of cinnamon, cardoman, and cloves--sort of like Indian chai. Popular dishes include steamed goat, pasta (Somalia was an Italian colony), chappati, and fresh mango juice. During Ramadan, the restaurants are closed for lunch but are jumping after sunset, when fasting ends.

menu of Somali fare at Hamdi Grilll in Columbus, Ohio

traditional Somali fare at Hamdi Grilll in Columbus, Ohio

More things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

7 comments:

Jeff and Crystal BryantJuly 15, 2019 at 5:56 AM
We never realized there was so much Somali culture in Columbus, Ohio. This city is one that we have visited in the past, since our daughter was attending college nearby. Thanks for sharing this peek into the culture.
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KemkemJuly 15, 2019 at 8:22 AM
I had no idea there was that large a population of Somalis in Columbus. How cool. I definitely love the food. It would be nice to rummage through the store, it looks like you could find some cute little trinkets and fabric.
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A Taste for TravelJuly 15, 2019 at 1:27 PM
There's quite a significant Somali population in Toronto as well as. Their restaurants and food shops are wonderful places to eat and browse for groceries. I'll keep an eye out for some Hamdi spiced tea - it sounds wonderful.
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The Travelling LindfieldsJuly 18, 2019 at 12:41 AM
What a lovely idea - making your own souvenir. I love the name of your candle scent.
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Julie @ FuninFairfaxVA.comJuly 18, 2019 at 1:10 PM
I know very little about Somali culture and it would be interesting to explore the shops and restaurants in Columbus. Thanks for the tip!
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Patti MorrowJuly 21, 2019 at 12:24 PM
My daughter was born in Ohio, but I haven't been back to Columbus in 20+ years. I had no idea there was so much diversity there. I'd love to try the traditional Somali food at Hamdi Grill.
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